A new vision for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region

A proposed plan for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region was published on Thursday 13 October.

The plan sets out how the region should grow over the next 20 years in a way that makes best use of its assets and protects the qualities that makes it a great place to live.

The plan is aiming to increase the rate of housebuilding by a third to meet the needs on an increasing population, particularly in and around Edinburgh.

Over 40% of these new homes will be affordable, helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s target to build 50,000 affordable homes this parliament.

It sets out the key strategic infrastructure required to support this level of growth including road, rail and tram improvements and proposals for an improved regional walking and cycling network.

It also explains how networks of so-called ‘green infrastructure’, such as wildlife habitats and open spaces, will be protected.

SESplan, the regional planning authority behind the plan is a partnership of Fife, City of Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian councils.

Councillor Stuart Bell, Convenor of SESplan said: “This document is the result of the six councils in the area working closely together to plan a better long-term future for the region, where growth is directed to the right places.

“The recent announcement that a City Region Deal for our region will be developed jointly by the councils in the region, in partnership with Scottish and UK Governments, means that some of the infrastructure which is needed to support this growth, and which is identified in the SESPlan, can potentially be delivered sooner rather than later.”

Over the next six weeks, from 13 October to 24 November, SESplan are inviting the public to comment on the plan during a ‘period of representations’.

The Proposed Plan can be viewed on the website www.sesplan.gov.uk as well as at local authority planning offices and libraries. Events will also be held across the region where the public can find out more.

For further information you can visit the SESplan website, follow SESplan on Twitter and Facebook, email contactus@sesplan.gov.uk or call 01506 282883 during office hours.